Ultrasonic probe device having an impedance mismatch with rapid attachment and detachment means
First Claim
1. A device for treating occlusions in a body comprising:
- a probe having a proximal end and a distal end;
a horn having a first connection end and a second connection end wherein the first connection end engages the proximal end of the probe;
a handle engaging the second connection end of the horn; and
a discontinuity at a point of attachment where the probe engages the horn wherein the discontinuity creates an impedance mismatch between the probe and the horn.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An ultrasonic tissue ablation device comprising a transversely vibrating small-diameter probe and a coupling assembly for probe attachment and detachment that that enables the probe to disengage from the device body. The probe detachability allows for insertion, manipulation, and withdrawal independently of the device body. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance tissue ablation. The device body includes an ultrasonic energy source and a horn assembly. The probe of the present invention is engaged to the device body in a manner which creates an impedance mismatch between the probe and the device body which allows the probe and the device body to operate as separate acoustic systems. The present invention also comprises a method for the removal of vascular occlusions in a blood vessels.
418 Citations
76 Claims
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1. A device for treating occlusions in a body comprising:
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a probe having a proximal end and a distal end;
a horn having a first connection end and a second connection end wherein the first connection end engages the proximal end of the probe;
a handle engaging the second connection end of the horn; and
a discontinuity at a point of attachment where the probe engages the horn wherein the discontinuity creates an impedance mismatch between the probe and the horn. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A device for removing occlusions in a blood vessel comprising:
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an ultrasonic probe comprising a proximal end and a distal end;
a sound conductor comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the sound conductor is engaged to a coupling assembly and the proximal end of the sound conductor is engaged to a transducer capable of providing ultrasonic energy; and
a discontinuity between the ultrasonic probe and the sound conductor at a point of attachment between the ultrasonic probe and the sound conductor, wherein the ultrasonic probe is releasably mounted at the proximal end of the ultrasonic probe to the coupling assembly, enabling the sound conductor to transmit ultrasonic energy from the transducer to the ultrasonic probe, causing the ultrasonic probe to oscillate in a substantially transverse mode with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46. A method of delivering an ultrasonic energy to a region in need of a treatment inside of a body comprising:
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decoupling a drive system from an ultrasonic probe by placing a discontinuity at a point where the drive system engages the ultrasonic probe wherein the drive system operates at a predictable frequency which is unaffected by changes in the frequency of the probe;
positioning the ultrasonic probe to the region in need of treatment inside of the body; and
delivering the ultrasonic energy to the region in need of treatment. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67)
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68. A method of removing occlusions in a blood vessel using an ultrasonic device comprising the following steps:
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(a) inserting an ultrasonic probe into the site of an occlusion in a body;
(b) positioning the ultrasonic probe in the proximity of the occlusion by an axial or rotational manipulation within the occluded blood vessel;
(c) mounting the ultrasonic probe to a coupling assembly;
(d) activating the transducer to cause oscillation of the ultrasonic probe in a substantially transverse mode with respect to a longitudinal axis of the probe;
(e) decoupling a drive system from the ultrasonic probe wherein the drive system operates at a predictable frequency which is unaffected by changes in the frequency of the probe; and
(f) providing ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic probe to remove occlusions. - View Dependent Claims (69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76)
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Specification